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I'm a rising 2L at a school ranked in the 60s. I attended the school because I don't mind working in its smaller, midwestern market and because I was offered full tuition + a partial living expenses stipend. My debt will be ~21k when I graduate (+20k from undergrad).

I finished the year in the top 25% of my class. I was fortunate enough to obtain a "summer associate" position at a regional big law firm (60 attorneys) in my home market, which is within 200 miles of my law school. I am really enjoying my summer so far, and I feel like I'm getting valuable practical and networking experience. I am able to work very closely with attorneys, and the hours are pretty much 830-530. The office is typically deserted by 6. I am paid $1500/week, and am told that new associates start in the $70-90 range. My mid-summer evaluation went well, and at my end of summer evaluation, I expect the hiring committee to extend me an offer for a second summer with the firm. Because this firm is regional, its hiring is need-based. In the past several years, they've hired two attorneys from a summer class of four.

I'd like to try my hand at Fall OCI to see if I might be able to find a firm job in my law school's larger market. I'd much prefer to live there than in my home market. I largely got my job this summer because I worked at a large insurance company my undergrad summers and became close with the company's general counsel who does a great deal of business with attorneys both in my home and school markets. This past spring I had several informational interviews with firms in my school's market who did not hire 1Ls, but DO hire 2Ls.

I guess I have a few questions: Am I crazy for focusing my efforts anywhere but the firm I'm working with now? I just want a clearer guarantee of post-graduation employment! How should I approach this conversation with my current firm? I am really enjoying my time there and don't want to rock the boat.